Schedule AnAppointment
With nearly 80 million people in the world diagnosed with glaucoma, it is considered one of the most common eye diseases. No cure currently exists for it, but there are treatment options to manage symptoms and slow down its progression.
Just like any medical condition, patients are always looking for a treatment plan that is safe, quick, and effective. Glaucoma patients at CEENTA such as this one have found great success with a reliable method known as MIGS.
If you have been managing glaucoma with eye drops but still worry about progression, MIGS might be your next step.
Minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries are a group of procedures aimed at reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye. This typically helps slow down the worsening of the condition and is most suitable for mild to moderate glaucoma.
There are several different MIGS surgeries available in the United States and many are done in conjunction with cataract surgery. These include:
While the term MIGS encompasses a variety of surgical methods, the major commonalities include:
In other words, think of MIGS like inserting a microscopic drain into your eye to release pressure.
MIGS is considered a less invasive surgery compared to traditional glaucoma surgeries. As a result, patients can enjoy a faster recovery time, fewer complications, and eliminate the need for eyedrops.
Patients may be considered for MIGS if they have been diagnosed with glaucoma and have not responded to nonsurgical treatments like eye drops. This procedure is also ideal for patients who have cataracts as the two treatments can be performed together.
Dr. Veena Rao, a fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist and cataract surgeon who sees patients at our Matthews and Monroe offices, highly recommends seeing eye care physicians with expertise in both procedures. “If you have glaucoma and you are planning in getting cataract surgery, it is definitely worth consulting with a glaucoma specialist or a surgeon who performs MIGS to see if you would be a good candidate to try lowering your eye pressure at the same time as cataract surgery."
As a minimally invasive procedure, MIGS typically requires only 2-4 weeks of recovery time. During this period, patients may experience side effects like eye irritation or tearing that can be alleviated with prescription eye drops. The activity restrictions after MIGS surgery are typically minimal.
MIGS is not a cure for glaucoma. However, it can delay or prevent the need for more invasive surgery.
Glaucoma is a silent thief of sight, and if left untreated, it can create significant visual problems later on in life. CEENTA’s team of glaucoma specialists are available to guide you towards the right management method, including surgical and non-surgical treatment options.
To find out if you’re a candidate for MIGS, schedule your next glaucoma appointment with Dr. Rao in Matthews or Monroe through our online portal or myCEENTAchart.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor.
Champagne is perhaps the most popular type of sparkling wine on the market, but do you know how to open it safely? Find out how to prevent eye damage from a champagne cork with CEENTA.
Find out which CEENTA blogs made the Top 5 list in 2023 covering eye care, ENT care, hearing loss, and facial plastics.
CEENTA facial plastic surgeon Neela Rao, MD, appeared on WSOC's The Daily Two on September 7th, 2023 to discuss her upcoming After Hours Aesthetic Event.
